A match made in heaven, say new business owners

The News

Published: May 13, 2017 at midnight

Updated: Sep 30, 2017 at 12:18 a.m.

New Glasgow Mayor Nancy Dicks, left, and New Glasgow Coun. John Guthro recently presented Lori Sutherland, second from left, owner of Naturally Bare, and Charlene DeYoung –Steeves, owner of Black Pearl Reiki, with welcoming certificates on the openings of their businesses in downtown New Glasgow. The two women will run their own businesses out of one location on Provost Street.

NEW GLASGOW - Two new businesses opened in downtown New Glasgow on Saturday.

Best friends Lori Sutherland and Charlene DeYoung-Steeves have opened their own businesses on Provost Street, both housed in the same location.

Black Pearl Reiki by DeYoung-Steeves, and Naturally Bare by Sutherland have a common theme of holistic healing and organic goodness so the two decided to make good use of their one location by offering both businesses out of the same storefront.

“I have been making natural products for the last 20 years,” said Sutherland. “I have been making them from my home, but it got a little busy so I decided to move to this location.”

She said she will continue to make the products, which range from lip balm to bug spray, out of the lab in her home, but will sell them from her downtown store and online. She will also offer permanent make up services as well that will be available by appointment.

DeYoung-Steeves will work by appointment as well for anyone wanting her Reiki healing services. Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes health. She said it heals by connecting a person’s subconscious to their body.

In addition, she is a licensed aesthetician who will be available by appointment for work with natural products.

Sutherland said she became involved with organic skin care products because she “is allergic to everything” and DeYoung–Steeves learned after working as an aesthetician that she can’t be exposed to any kind of chemicals.

“Lori and I decided it would be a good idea to work together. It was a match made in heaven,” said DeYoung-Steeves.

Sutherland said she has more than 30 products currently available and every day there seems to be a new suggestion for something else.

Naturally Bare will be open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. as as well as Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.